10 Most Offensive WWE Moments Ever
4. The Return Of Jim Ross
Establishing himself as the lead play-by-play in the company after Vince McMahon's departure from the broadcast booth in 1998, Jim Ross built on his reputation as the very best in the game with some hugely memorable calls as the 'Attitude Era' was ushered in.
His year ended in personal tragedy though, with news of his Mother's death reaching him as he arrived in the UK to call a 'Capital Carnage' pay-per-view special in December.
The stress of the situation caused a Bells Palsy relapse whilst on-air, which Ross remarkably hid has he continued the broadcast unabated.
A brief absence from television ended in March 1999, when JR was brought back still suffering the stroke-like physical ailment and playing an embittered version of himself, taking aim at Bart Gunn for embarrassing Dr Death Steve Williams in the ill-fated 'Brawl for All' tournament, and Michael Cole for 'stealing' his job.
Whilst Ross performed the exploitative role with his usual vim, it was deeply unpleasant to see the company abuse his good will and attempt to needlessly villainise such a beloved on-screen persona.
Highlighting how backwards it was, fans cheered Ross' physical and verbal assault on his decidedly inferior replacement Cole, and Jim got the last laugh when The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin insisted he call their WrestleMania 15 main event just weeks later.